The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has announced the start of applications for a new online PharmD XO program. It leads to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is designed for those who can’t leave their jobs or relocate for school. The first cohort begins in January 2026.
Key program details include:
• the first cohort begins in January 2026;
• the program lasts 5.5 years;
• most coursework is delivered online;
• once a year, students travel to Hilo for in-person modules lasting 2–4 weeks (during the first 4.5 years);
• the final year is devoted entirely to clinical rotations.
Who the new track is for
The program is designed for three main groups. First, working adults for whom it is important to remain employed throughout the entire period of study. Second, residents of other Hawaiian islands for whom staying in Hilo on an ongoing basis is logistically difficult. Third, applicants from other states who are interested in Hawaiian pharmacy education but are not able to relocate for the full duration. The format allows them to stay in their communities without disrupting their professional and family lives.
Pharmacists as the most accessible healthcare providers in rural America
The data highlight a serious imbalance in the U.S. healthcare system. About 20% of Americans live in rural areas, yet only 10% of physicians practice there. The gap is felt most acutely when it comes to primary care.
Meanwhile, nearly 90% of the country’s residents live within five miles of the nearest pharmacy, and it is the pharmacist who becomes the most accessible healthcare professional.
In these conditions, expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice and increasing their numbers is not just a workforce issue—it’s a strategic priority. Pharmacies already reach areas that physician infrastructure doesn’t.
Why the internet matters for education—and beyond
Online education isn’t just a way to learn remotely; for many people, it’s the only way to access a high-quality educational experience. Without the internet, this would be impossible, and it has long been part of everyday life for most Americans. It makes it possible to do many things:
• buy everything you need, from clothing to household appliances, not only on American online marketplaces but also abroad. This is convenient, especially for those who live in remote regions;
• watch movies and TV series on streaming services—subscriptions provide access to a wide variety of content, and it really is convenient;
• play online games, including gambling ones. You can do this on a computer or on a smartphone. We saw this ourselves after visit Aviator site, dedicated to online casinos featuring the Aviator crash game. Access to the app is very easy;
• work—more and more companies are embracing remote work today, so everyone has the opportunity to get a good job, regardless of where they live;
• communicate, including with people from other countries. This can be done just for fun or, for example, to learn a language.
What the DKICP dean says
Ray Matsumoto, dean of the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, linked the launch of the program to the problem of physician shortages. “As we address the physician shortage affecting rural communities across the country, pharmacists trained to practice to the full extent of their license can provide vital healthcare services where they’re needed most,” she said.
Online education has long been widely used in other fields; for example, it can be a pathway into game development. Its adoption in the pharmaceutical sector was clearly only a matter of time.
Eight-year accreditation as a foundation for trust
Shortly before the PharmD XO announcement, the college received renewed accreditation for eight years from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. For the new format, this is a compelling credential: the program is not starting from scratch, but is built on an institution with proven educational quality.
What students can expect at each stage
In the first 4.5 years, the main volume of classes takes place online. The annual in-person modules in Hilo, lasting 2–4 weeks, focus on lab work, developing teamwork skills, and hands-on training. It is during these intensive sessions that competencies are formed that can’t be fully developed through a screen. The final year is devoted entirely to clinical rotations at sites where students work in real-world pharmacy care settings.
The launch of applications for PharmD XO coincided with American Pharmacists Month in October, when the U.S. traditionally highlights pharmacists’ contributions to public health. The new program expands access to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, combining online learning with regular in-person sessions in Hawaiʻi.